The Five Dales Walk. Our first walk of the summer

A group of eighteen walkers plus 2 canines, Fletch and Mini, set off from Litton on Sunday the 7th of April for our latest walk. The weather was bright and cold with plenty of snow still around from last week’s blizzards.[pe2-image src=”http://lh5.ggpht.com/-ZxxZMKQrg7M/UWRdFMBEMhI/AAAAAAAAsnk/uViJxvYo4Pc/s144-c-o/DSCF2017.jpg” href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/doncasterac/TheFiveDalesWalkOurFirstWalkOfTheSummer#5864914958449652242″ caption=”” type=”image” alt=”DSCF2017.jpg” ]

The route took us over a variety of terrain, the first part being a steep rocky downhill followed by an even steeper uphill section which was made all the more difficult by deep snow drifts and icy stretches. Thereafter, however, we enjoyed a delightful riverside walk along the River Wye which was teeming with trout, through Monsal Dale, Water Cum Jolly Dale and Millers Dale. Along this section, we passed two large cotton mills, Cressbrook Mill and Litton Mill, both notorious for their use of child labour in the industrial revolution. They have now been converted into luxury apartments.
Towards the end of the walk, the weather had warmed up and a few coats were discarded as we enjoyed the lovely sunshine.  Maybe winter is on its way out after all.
For lunch, we paid a return visit to The Red Lion at Litton where once again we were made very welcome and the food and beers were, as usual, excellent.

[pe2-gallery class=”alignleft” ] [pe2-image src=”http://lh3.ggpht.com/-5hfrAJwz7fs/UWRdETFBQ4I/AAAAAAAAsnQ/wyvO9-bcYpk/s144-c-o/DSCF2014.jpg” href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/doncasterac/TheFiveDalesWalkOurFirstWalkOfTheSummer#5864914943165416322″ caption=”” type=”image” alt=”DSCF2014.jpg” ][/pe2-gallery]

More Photos here.

Alan Biggs
Next walk: Sunday 5th May at Holmfirth.